Grey colored heat treatable coated article having low solar factor value

ABSTRACT

There are provided coated articles that include two or more infrared (IR) reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr, Nb, NiCr, NiCrMo, and/or a nitride thereof) sandwiched between at least dielectric layers, and/or a method of making the same. The coating may be designed so that the coated articles realize grey (including black) glass side reflective coloration in combination with a low solar factor (SF) and/or a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Such coated articles may be used in the context of monolithic windows, insulating glass (IG) window units, laminated windows, and/or other suitable applications, and may optionally be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/458,245 filed Mar. 14, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,855), which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/308,439 filed Mar. 15, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

This invention relates to coated articles that include two or more functional infrared (IR) reflecting layers sandwiched between at least dielectric layers, and/or a method of making the same. The coating may be designed so that the coated articles realize grey glass side reflective coloration in combination with a low solar factor (SF) and/or low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Such coated articles may be used in the context of monolithic windows, insulating glass (IG) window units, laminated windows, and/or other suitable applications, and may optionally be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Solar control coatings having a layer stack of glass/Si₃N₄/NiCr/Si₃N₄ are known in the art, where the metallic NiCr layer is the sole infrared (IR) reflecting layer in the coating. In certain instances, the NiCr layer may be nitrided. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,967, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,585.

Unfortunately, while such layer stacks with NiCr IR reflecting layers provide efficient solar control and are overall good coatings, they are lacking in terms of being able to achieve a wider palette of available colors when desired. For example, with such a coating stack, if bluish green is desired the approach is to significantly increase the bottom dielectric thickness which unfortunately results in undesirable interference effects in that particular coating.

Grey (including black) coloration is sometimes desired in the context of monolithic windows, insulating glass (IG) window units, and/or other suitable applications. Desirable grey (including black) coloration (e.g., glass side reflective, or exterior), measured monolithically and/or in an IG window unit, may be characterized by: a* values of from −3.0 to +5.0, more preferably from −2.0 to +4.0, and most preferably −1.0 to +3.0; in combination with b* values of from −10.0 to +2.0, more preferably from −9.0 to −1.0, and most preferably from −4.0 to −8.0; in combination with a glass side reflective/exterior L* value of from 20-42, more preferably from 23-35, and most preferably from 25-33; in combination with a visible transmission (TY or T_(vis)) of no greater than 16%.

Low solar factor (SF) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) values are also desired in some applications, particularly in warm weather climates. Solar factor (SF), calculated in accordance with EN standard 410, relates to a ratio between the total energy entering a room or the like through a glazing and the incident solar energy. Thus, it will be appreciated that lower SF values are indicative of good solar protection against undesirable heating of rooms or the like protected by windows/glazings. A low SF value is indicative of a coated article (e.g., IG window unit) that is capable of keeping a room fairly cool in summertime months during hot ambient conditions. Thus, low SF values are sometimes desirable in hot environments. While low SF values are sometimes desirable for coated articles such as IG window units, the achievement of lower SF values may come at the expense of sacrificing coloration. It is often desirable, but difficult, to achieve a combination of acceptable visible transmission, desirable glass side reflective coloration, and a low SF value for a coated article such as an IG window unit or the like. SF (G-Factor; EN410-673 2011) and SHGC (NFRC-2001) values are calculated from the full spectrum (T, Rg and Rf) and are typically measured with a spectrophotometer such as a Perkin Elmer 1050. The SF measurements are done on monolithic coated glass, and the calculated values can be applied to monolithic, IG and laminated applications.

U.S. Patent Document 2012/0177899 discloses several different coatings. The Examples 1, 4 and 5 on page four of US '899 in [0026] are glass/SiN/NiCrNx/SiN/NiCrNx/SiN. However, these examples have undesirable green or bronze glass side reflective coloration. Unfortunately, all Examples in US '899 suffer from undesirably high SF and SHGC values as well as high visible glass side reflectivity over 20%.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,395 discloses numerous examples in columns 5-7, including examples of glass/SiN/NbN/SiN/NbN/SiN. Unfortunately, the examples of US '395 are unable to achieve desirable grey glass side reflective color as defined above. For instance, all examples in US '395 have a visible transmission of at least 20%. Moreover, US '395 is silent as to SF and SHGC values, as well as L* values. It is noted that glass side reflective color is a significant color when an IG window unit is provided with the coating on surface two, as the glass side reflective color is the color seen by those outside viewing the building on which the window is mounted.

It would be desirable if grey glass side reflective coloration could be achieved in combination with low SF and/or SHGC value(s). Note that a typical conventional IG window unit with two panes has an SHGC value around 0.70.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, it has surprisingly been found that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN_(x)) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable grey glass side reflective coloration can be achieved in combination with low SF and/or SHGC value(s). And optionally these desirable features may be achieved in combination with heat treatability and/or low visible glass side reflectivity. Such coatings provide for improved color control and/or ranges when desired, low SF values and thus the ability to keep rooms cool in warm climates, and also for good thermal stability (low ΔE* value(s)) if desired.

Generally speaking, certain example embodiments of this invention fulfill one or more of the above listed needs by providing a coated article having grey glass side reflective coloration and including a layer system supported by a glass substrate, the layer system comprising: a first dielectric layer comprising nitrogen; a first infrared (IR) reflecting layer on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer comprising nitrogen on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer and the first IR reflecting layer; a second layer IR reflecting layer on the glass substrate over at least the second dielectric layer; a third dielectric layer comprising nitrogen on the glass substrate over at least the second IR reflecting layer; wherein each of the first and second IR reflecting layers comprises one or more of: NbZr, NbZrN_(x), NiCr, NiCrN_(x), NiCrMo, NiCrMoN_(x), NbCr, NbCrN_(x), Nb and NbN_(x); and wherein the coated article has: glass side/exterior reflective grey coloration comprising a glass side/exterior reflective a* value of from −3.0 to +5.0, a glass side/exterior reflective b* value of from −10.0 to +2.0, a glass side/exterior reflective L* value of from 20-42, and a visible transmission of no greater than 16%, and wherein: (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.33 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.39, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.23 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.27.

Certain example embodiments of this invention fulfill one or more of the above listed needs by providing a coated article having grey glass side reflective coloration and including a layer system supported by a glass substrate, the layer system comprising: a first dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a first infrared (IR) reflecting layer comprising NbZr on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a second dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride and the first IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr; a second layer IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr on the glass substrate over at least the second dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a third dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride on the glass substrate over at least the second IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr; and wherein the coated article has: glass side/exterior reflective grey coloration comprising a glass side/exterior reflective a* value of from −3.0 to +5.0, a glass side/exterior reflective b* value of from −10.0 to +2.0, a glass side/exterior reflective L* value of from 20-42, and a visible transmission of no greater than 16%, and: (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.33 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.39, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.23 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.27.

Thus, this invention covers monolithic window units, IG window units, laminated window units, and any other article including a glass substrate having a coating thereon as claimed. Note that monolithic measurements may be taken by removing a coated substrate from an IG window unit and/or laminated window unit, and then performing monolithic measurements. It is also noted that for a given coating the SF and SHGC values will be significantly higher for a monolithic window unit than for an IG window unit.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, heat treated (HT) coated articles have a glass side reflective ΔE* value due to heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering) of no greater than 4.5, more preferably no greater than 4.0, even more preferably no greater than 3.5, and most preferably no greater than 3.0. For purposes of example, the heat treatment (HT) may be for at least about 5 minutes at a temperature(s) of at least about 580 degrees C., and is sufficient for thermal tempering. The term ΔE* is known in the art and is indicative of thermal stability upon heat treatment, and is defined and explained for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,967 which is incorporated herein by reference.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of a monolithic coated article (heat treated or not heat treated) according to an example embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view of a monolithic coated article (heat treated or not heat treated) according to another example embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of an insulating glass (IG) window unit, including the coated article of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, according to example embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views.

Coated articles according to example embodiments of this invention achieve desirable grey (including black) glass side reflective coloration in combination with low SF and/or SHGC value(s), and optionally also achieve heat treatability and/or visible glass side reflectivity of no greater than 20% (more preferably no greater than 15%, and most preferably no greater than 8%). It has surprisingly been found that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN_(x)) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable grey glass side reflective coloration can be achieved in combination with a low SF and/or SHGC value(s). And optionally these desirable features may be achieved in combination with heat treatability and/or visible glass side visible reflectivity (R_(G[or outside, or exterior])Y) of no greater than 20% (more preferably no greater than 15%, and more preferably no greater than 8%). In example embodiments of this invention, the coated article: (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.33 (more preferably no greater than 0.32, and most preferably no greater than 0.31) and/or an SHGC value of no greater than 0.39, more preferably no greater than 0.37, and most preferably no greater than 0.35, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.23 (more preferably no greater than 0.22, and most preferably no greater than 0.21) and/or an SHGC value of no greater than 0.27 (more preferably no greater than 0.25, and most preferably no greater than 0.23). Thus, such coatings provide for improved color control and/or ranges when desired and low SF values indicating ability to keep rooms cool in warm environments, and may also provide for good thermal stability (low ΔE* value(s)) when desired.

Certain embodiments of this invention provide a coating or layer system that may be used in windows such as monolithic windows (e.g., vehicle, residential, and/or architectural windows), IG window units, and/or other suitable applications. Certain example embodiments of this invention provide a layer system that is characterized by color control, low SF values, and/or color stability upon heat treatment. With respect to stability upon heat treatment (HT), this means a low value of ΔE*; where Δ is indicative of a*, b* and L* change in view of HT such as thermal tempering, heat bending, or thermal heat strengthening, monolithically and/or in the context of dual pane environments such as IG units or laminates. In certain exemplary embodiments, the color stability with HT may result in substantial matchability between heat-treated and non-heat treated versions of the coating or layer system. In other words, in monolithic and/or IG applications, in certain embodiments of this invention two glass substrates having the same coating system thereon (one HT after deposition and the other not HT) appear to the naked human eye to look substantially the same.

The terms “heat treatment” and “heat treating” as used herein mean heating the article to a temperature sufficient to achieve thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening of the glass inclusive article. This definition includes, for example, heating a coated article in an oven or furnace at a temperature of least about 580 degrees C., more preferably at least about 600 degrees C., for a sufficient period to allow tempering, bending, and/or heat strengthening. In certain instances, the HT may be for at least about 4 or 5 minutes. The coated article may or may not be heat treated in different embodiments of this invention.

FIGS. 1-2 are side cross sectional views of coated articles according to different example embodiments of this invention. In the FIG. 1 embodiment the solar control coating 8 includes two IR reflecting layers 3 and 5, whereas in FIG. 2 the solar control coating 8′ includes three IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and 15. An additional dielectric layer 16 is also provided in the FIG. 2 embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an IG window unit, with the coating (8 or 8′) on surface two, showing that the IG window unit can use the coating (8 or 8′) of either the FIG. 1 embodiment or the FIG. 2 embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the coated article includes at least glass substrate 1 (e.g., clear, green, bronze, grey, blue, or blue-green glass substrate from about 1.0 to 12.0 mm thick), dielectric layers 2, 4, 6 (e.g., of or including silicon nitride (e.g., Si₃N₄), silicon oxynitride, tin oxide, or some other suitable dielectric), IR reflecting layers 3, 5 which may be of or include substantially metallic or metallic material such as NbZr, NbZrN_(x), NiCr, NiCrN_(x), NiCrMo, NiCrMoN_(x), NbCr, NbCrN_(x), Nb and/or NbN_(x). It will be appreciated that the IR reflecting layers 3 and/or 5 may optionally be nitrided in certain example embodiments of this invention. While the IR reflecting layers may include some small amount of oxygen in certain instances, it is preferable that these layers 3 and 5 are substantially free of oxygen such as no more than 5% oxygen, more preferably no more than about 3% or 2% oxygen in certain embodiments (atomic %). The coated article further includes dielectric overcoat layer 7 of or including a protective material such as zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO₂) or silicon oxynitride. Optionally, a dielectric layer of or including silicon oxynitride and/or zirconium silicon oxynitride of any suitable stoichiometry may be located between and contacting layers 6 and 7 in the upper part of the layer stack. In certain example embodiments of this invention, coating 8 does not include any metallic IR blocking or reflecting layer of or based on Ag or Au. In certain example embodiments of this invention, IR reflecting layers 3 and 5 reflect at least some IR radiation, and do not contact any other metal IR reflecting layer. In certain example embodiments, it is possible for each of the layers to include other materials such as dopants. It will be appreciated of course that other layers may also be provided, or certain layers may be omitted, and different materials may be used, in certain alternative embodiments of this invention.

Referring to the FIG. 2 embodiment, the coated article includes at least glass substrate 1 (e.g., clear, green, bronze, grey, blue, or blue-green glass substrate from about 1.0 to 12.0 mm thick), dielectric layers 2, 4, 6, 16 (e.g., of or including silicon nitride (e.g., Si₃N₄), silicon oxynitride, tin oxide, or some other suitable dielectric), IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15 which may be of or include substantially metallic or metallic material such as NbZr, NbZrN_(x), NiCr, NiCrN_(x), NiCrMo, NiCrMoN_(x), NbCr, NbCrN_(x), Nb and/or NbN_(x). It will be appreciated that the IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and/or 15 may optionally be nitrided in certain example embodiments of this invention. Optionally, a dielectric layer of or including silicon oxynitride and/or zirconium silicon oxynitride of any suitable stoichiometry may be located between and contacting layers 16 and 7 in the upper part of the layer stack in the FIG. 2 embodiment. While the IR reflecting layers may include some small amount of oxygen in certain instances, it is preferable that these layers 3, 5, 15 are substantially free of oxygen such as no more than 5% oxygen, more preferably no more than about 3% or 2% oxygen in certain embodiments. The coated article in FIG. 2 further includes dielectric overcoat layer 7 of or including a protective material such as zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO₂) or silicon oxynitride. For example, when the IR reflecting layers are of or include NbZr, they may be sputter deposited using NbZr targets, and with a gas flow of from about 200-300 ml Ar and from about 0.8-2.5 ml/kW N₂ and/or O₂.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, coating 8′ of the FIG. 2 embodiment does not include any metallic IR blocking or reflecting layer of or based on Ag or Au. In certain example embodiments of this invention, IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and 15 reflect at least some IR radiation, and do not contact any other metal IR reflecting layer. In certain example embodiments, it is possible for each of the layers to include other materials such as dopants. It will be appreciated of course that other layers may also be provided, or certain layers may be omitted, and different materials may be used, in certain alternative embodiments of this invention.

The overall coatings (8, 8′) of FIGS. 1-2 include at least the illustrated layers. It is noted that the terms “oxide” and “nitride” as used herein include various stoichiometries. For example, the term silicon nitride (for one or more of layers 2, 4, 6, 16) includes stoichiometric Si₃N₄, as well as non-stoichiometric silicon nitride. Likewise, various stoichiometries may be used. For instance, when NbZr is used for IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15, various ratios of Nb to Zr may be used including but not limited to a 50/50 ratio, an 85/15 ratio, or a 90/10 ratio. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the Nb/Zr ratio in layers 3, 5, and 15 may be from 1/1 to 9.5/1 in various example embodiments of this invention, such that these layers preferably contain more Nb than Zr. The illustrated layers may be deposited on glass substrate 1 via magnetron sputtering, any other type of sputtering, or via any other suitable technique in different embodiments of this invention. It is noted that other layer(s) may be provided in the stacks shown in FIGS. 1-2 such as between layers 2 and 3, or between layers 3 and 4, or between the substrate 1 and layer 2, or the like. Generally, other layer(s) may also be provided in other locations of the coating. Thus, while the coating 8, 8′ or layers thereof is/are “on” or “supported by” substrate 1 (directly or indirectly), other layer(s) may be provided therebetween. Thus, for example, the layer systems 8, 8′ and layers thereof shown in FIGS. 1-2 are considered “on” the substrate 1 even when other layer(s) may be provided therebetween (i.e., the terms “on” and “supported by” as used herein are not limited to directly contacting). However, there may be the direct contacts shown in FIGS. 1-2 in preferred embodiments.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, dielectric layers 2, 4, 6, and 16 may each have an index of refraction “n” of from 1.7 to 2.7 (at 550 nm), more preferably from 1.9 to 2.5 in certain embodiments, and most preferably from about 2.0 to 2.06 in preferred embodiments of this invention. One, two, three, or all of these layers 2, 4, 6, 16 may be of or include silicon nitride and/or silicon oxynitride in certain example embodiments of this invention. In such embodiments of this invention where layers 2, 4, 6 and/or 16 comprise silicon nitride (e.g., Si₃N₄), sputtering targets including Si employed to form these layers may or may not be admixed with up to 1-20% (e.g., 8%) by weight aluminum or stainless steel (e.g. SS#316), with about this amount then appearing in the layers so formed. Even with this amount(s) of aluminum and/or stainless steel, such layers are still considered dielectric layers.

While FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a coated article according to an embodiment of this invention in monolithic form, coated articles according to other embodiments of this invention may comprise IG (insulating glass) window units such as shown in FIG. 3. In IG window embodiments, coating 8 or 8′ from FIGS. 1-2 may be provided on the inner wall of the outer substrate of the IG unit as shown in FIG. 3 (surface two), and/or on the inner wall of the inner substrate, or in any other suitable location in other embodiments of this invention. As shown in FIG. 3, an example IG window unit may comprise a pair of spaced apart glass substrates 1, 30 each about 3-19 mm thick, at least one of which is coated with a coating 8, 8′ herein in certain example instances, where the insulating gap 34 between the substrates may be from about 5 to 30 mm, more preferably from about 10 to 20 mm, and most preferably about 16 mm. Spacer(s) 32 may be provided around the periphery to space the glass substrates from each other and maintain gap 34. In certain preferred embodiments, the glass substrate 1 shown in FIGS. 1-2 may be the outer glass substrate 1 of an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3 and the coating 8, 8′ may be provided on the interior surface of the outer glass substrate 1 (i.e., surface two of the IG window unit). The gap between substrates in an IG unit may be filed with air and/or argon gas in certain example embodiments. IG window units having three glass substrates/panes may also be used.

Turning back to the FIG. 1 embodiment, various thicknesses may be used consistent with one or more of the needs discussed herein. According to certain example embodiments of this invention, example thicknesses (in angstroms) and materials for the respective layers of the FIG. 1 embodiment on the glass substrate 1 are as follows in certain example embodiments for achieving desired grey glass side reflective coloration in combination with a low SF and/or SHGC value(s) (layers are listed in order moving away from the glass substrate 1):

TABLE 1 (Thicknesses for grey color and low SF/SHGC in FIG. 1 embodiment) Layer Example Range (Å) Preferred (Å) Best (Å) silicon nitride (layer 2): 400-1,000 {acute over (Å)} 550-850 {acute over (Å)} 600-750 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) (layer 3): 50-140 {acute over (Å)} 70-120 {acute over (Å)} 80-100 Å silicon nitride (layer 4): 300-800 {acute over (Å)} 500-700 {acute over (Å)} 550-650 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) (layer 5): 50-140 {acute over (Å)} 70-120 {acute over (Å)} 80-100 Å silicon nitride (layer 6): 150-450 {acute over (Å)} 250-400 {acute over (Å)} 270-310 Å overcoat (e.g., ZrO₂) (layer 7): 10-500 {acute over (Å)} 10-60 {acute over (Å)} 20-40 Å

Table 1 above relates to, for example, embodiments where glass side reflective generally grey coloration and a low SF and/or SHGC value(s) are desirable for the FIG. 1 embodiment (or FIG. 1 embodiment used in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3). It has been surprisingly found that in the FIG. 1 embodiment desirable grey glass side reflective coloration can be achieved in combination with low SF and low SHGC values and low glass side visible reflection (R_(G/outside/exterior)Y) using the thicknesses discussed in Table 1 above and when designing the FIG. 1 coating 8 so that: (i) IR reflecting layers 3 and 5 (e.g., of or including NbZr, or a nitride thereof) are of substantially the same thickness, which means that they are the same thickness plus/minus 15 Å, (ii) a thickness ratio of layer 2/layer 6 is at least 1.5, more preferably at least 2.0, and (iii) a thickness ratio of layer 4/layer 6 is at least 1.4, more preferably at least 1.7. It is noted that desirable grey (which includes black herein) coloration (e.g., glass side/exterior reflective), measured monolithically and/or in an IG window unit, may be characterized by: a* values of from −3.0 to +5.0, more preferably from −2.0 to +4.0, and most preferably −1.0 to +3.0; in combination with b* values of from −10.0 to +2.0, more preferably from −9.0 to −1.0, and most preferably from −8.0 to −4.0; in combination with a glass side reflective/exterior L* value of from 20-42, more preferably from 23-35, and most preferably from 25-33; in combination with a visible transmission (TY or T_(vis)) of no greater than 16% (e.g., 7-16%).

In certain example embodiments, the IR reflecting layers 3 and 5 may be of the same or substantially the same materials as indicated above (e.g., NbZr and/or a nitride thereof). In certain example embodiments, the layers 3 and/or 5 are metallic, or substantially metallic, and are provided between nitride layers (e.g., silicon nitride based layers 2, 4, 6) in order to reduce or prevent oxidation of the IR reflecting layers during possible heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening) thereby permitting predictable coloration to be achieved following the heat treatment at multiple viewing angles.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the color stability with HT may result in substantial matchability between heat-treated and non-heat treated versions of the coating or layer system. In other words, in monolithic and/or IG applications, in certain embodiments of this invention two glass substrates having the same coating system thereon (one HT after deposition and the other not HT) appear to the naked human eye to look substantially the same.

Before and/or after any optional heat treatment (HT) such as thermal tempering, in certain example embodiments of this invention coated articles according to the FIG. 1 (or FIG. 1, 3) embodiment have color/optical characteristics as follows in Table 2 (measured monolithic and/or in an IG unit). It is noted that subscript “G” stands for glass side reflective, subscript “T” stands for transmissive, and subscript “F” stands for film side reflective. As is known in the art, glass side (G) means when viewed from the glass side (as opposed to the layer/film side) of the coated article. Film side (F) means when viewed from the side of the coated article on which the coating is provided. Table 3 set forth below illustrates certain characteristics of coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention after HT such as thermal tempering (monolithically measured for Table 3) for all colors. The characteristics below in Table 2 are applicable to HT and non-HT coated articles herein, except that the thermal stability data in Table 3 relates to HT coated articles and demonstrates the stability upon HT.

TABLE 2 Color/Optical Characteristics (FIG. 1 embodiment monolithic or in IG) General Preferred Most Preferred T_(vis) (TY): <=16%   6-16%   <=7-14% L*_(T) 25-60 35-55 40-50 a*_(T) −8 to +8 −5 to +5 −2 to +2 b*_(T) −15 to +15 −10 to +10 −5 to +5 R_(G)Y(glass side): <=20% <=15% <=8%  L*_(G) 20-42 23-35 25-33 a*_(G) −3 to +5 −2 to +4 −1 to +3 b*_(G) −10 to +2  −9 to −1 −8 to −4 R_(F)Y(film side): <=35% <=20%  <=15% a*_(F) −15 to +15 −8 to +8 −4 to +4 b*_(F) −30 to +30 −22 to +22 −15 to +15 R_(s) (Ω/sq): <140 <100 30-75 SF [Monolithic]: <=0.33 <=0.32 <=0.31 SHGC [Monolithic]: <=0.39 <=0.37 <=0.35 SF [IG]: <=0.23 <=0.22 <=0.21 SHGC [IG]: <=0.27 <=0.25 <=0.23

TABLE 3 Thermal Stability (FIG. 1 after HT; in addition to Table 2) General Preferred Most Preferred ΔE*_(G) <=4.0 <=3.5 <=3.0

Regarding the FIG. 2 embodiment, various thicknesses may be used consistent with one or more of the needs discussed herein. According to certain example embodiments of this invention, example thicknesses (in angstroms) and materials for the respective layers of coating 8′ in the FIG. 2 embodiment on the glass substrate 1 are as follows in certain example embodiments for achieving desired grey glass side reflective coloration in combination with a low SF and/or SHGC value(s) (layers are listed in order moving away from the glass substrate 1):

TABLE 4 (Thicknesses for grey color and low SF/SHGC in FIG. 2 embodiment) Layer Example Range (Å) Preferred (Å) Best (Å) silicon nitride (layer 2): 20-250 {acute over (Å)} 40-160 {acute over (Å)} 60-140 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) (layer 3): 10-90 {acute over (Å)} 10-50 {acute over (Å)} 15-40 Å silicon nitride (layer 4): 150-800 {acute over (Å)} 300-600 {acute over (Å)} 350-500 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) (layer 5): 20-150 {acute over (Å)} 30-100 {acute over (Å)} 40-90 Å silicon nitride (layer 6): 300-900 {acute over (Å)} 400-750 {acute over (Å)} 500-650 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) (layer 15): 14-150 {acute over (Å)} 20-100 {acute over (Å)} 30-90 Å silicon nitride (layer 16): 100-700 {acute over (Å)} 200-570 {acute over (Å)} 300-470 Å overcoat (e.g., ZrO₂) (layer 7): 10-500 {acute over (Å)} 10-60 {acute over (Å)} 20-40 Å

Table 4 above relates to, for example, embodiments where glass side reflective generally grey coloration and a low SF and/or SHGC value(s) are desirable for the FIG. 2 embodiment (or FIG. 2 embodiment used in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3). It has been surprisingly found that in the FIG. 2 embodiment desirable grey glass side reflective coloration can be achieved in combination with low SF and low SHGC values, and low glass side visible reflection (R_(G/outside/exterior)Y) using the thicknesses discussed in Table 4 above and when designing the FIG. 2 coating 8′ so that one or more of the following are satisfied: (i) IR reflecting layers 5 and 15 (e.g., of or including NbZr, or a nitride thereof) are of substantially the same thickness, which means that they are the same thickness plus/minus 15 Å, (ii) dielectric layers 4 and 16 are of substantially the same thickness, which means that they are the same thickness plus/minus 10%, (iii) a thickness ratio of layer 6/layer 4 is at least 1.1, and (iv) a thickness ratio of layer 6/layer 2 is at least 2, more preferably at least 3.

In certain example embodiments, the IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and 15 may be of the same or substantially the same materials as indicated above (e.g., NbZr and/or a nitride thereof). In certain example embodiments, the layers 3, 5 and/or 15 are metallic, or substantially metallic, and are provided between nitride layers (e.g., silicon nitride based layers 2, 4, 6, 16) in order to reduce or prevent oxidation of the IR reflecting layers during possible heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening) thereby permitting predictable coloration to be achieved following the heat treatment at multiple viewing angles.

Before and/or after any optional heat treatment (HT) such as thermal tempering, in certain example embodiments of this invention coated articles according to the FIG. 2 (or FIG. 2, 3) embodiment have color/optical characteristics as follows in Table 5 (measured monolithic and/or in an IG unit). Table 6 set forth below illustrates certain characteristics of coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention after HT such as thermal tempering (monolithically measured for Table 6) for all colors. The characteristics below in Table 5 are applicable to HT and non-HT coated articles herein according to the FIG. 2 (or FIG. 2-3) embodiment, except that the thermal stability data in Table 6 relates to HT coated articles and demonstrates the stability upon HT.

TABLE 5 Color/Optical Characteristics (FIG. 2 embodiment monolithic or in IG) General Preferred Most Preferred T_(vis) (TY): <=16%   6-16%   7-14% L*_(T) 25-60 35-55 40-50 a*_(T) −8 to +8 −5 to +5 −2 to +2 b*_(T) −15 to +15 −10 to +10 −5 to +5 R_(G/outside)Y(glass side): <=20% <=15% <=8   L*_(G) 20-42 23-35 25-33 a*_(G) −3 to +5 −2 to +4 −1 to +3 b*_(G) −10 to +2  −9 to −1 −8 to −4 R_(F/inside)Y(film side): <=35% <=20%  <=15% a*_(F) −15 to +15 −8 to +8 −4 to +4 b*_(F) −30 to +30 −22 to +22 −15 to +15 R_(s) (Ω/sq): <160 <100 30-75 SF [Monolithic]: <=0.33 <=0.32 <=0.31 SHGC [Monolithic]: <=0.39 <=0.37 <=0.35 SF [IG]: <=0.23 <=0.22 <=0.21 SHGC [IG]: <=0.27 <=0.25 <=0.23

TABLE 6 Thermal Stability (FIG. 2 after HT; in addition to Table 5) General Preferred Most Preferred ΔE*_(G) <=4.0 <=3.5 <=3.0

For purposes of example only, Examples 1-3 representing different example embodiments of this invention, as well we Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-2, are set forth below.

EXAMPLES

Examples 1 and 3 were layer stacks on a clear glass substrate as shown in FIG. 1, and Example 2 was a layer stack on a clear glass substrate as shown in FIG. 2. All were measured monolithically, heat treated and measured again. They were also put into IG window units as shown in FIG. 3. The silicon nitride layers in each example were deposited by sputtering a silicon target (doped with about 8% Al) in an atmosphere including argon and nitrogen gas. The glass substrates 1 and 30 were clear and 6 mm thick, and the air gap 34 in the IG window unit was 12 mm thick. The NbZr layers in each example were deposited by sputtering approximately 90/10 Nb/Zr magnetron sputtering targets in an atmosphere including argon and a small amount of nitrogen gas. Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-2 were provided for purposes of comparison. Layer thicknesses were in angstroms (Å).

TABLE 7 Layer Stacks of Examples Layer Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 CE 1 CE 2 silicon nitride (layer 2): 736 Å 79 Å 647 Å 600 {acute over (Å)} 1310 Å NbZr (layer 3): 91 Å 30 Å 89 Å 68 {acute over (Å)} 107 Å silicon nitride (layer 4): 588 Å 397 Å 611 Å 314 {acute over (Å)} 236 Å NbZr (layer 5): 88 Å 74 Å 84 Å 136 {acute over (Å)} n/a silicon nitride (layer 6): 298 Å 570 Å 283 Å 388 {acute over (Å)} n/a NbZr (layer 15): n/a 72 Å n/a n/a n/a silicon nitride (layer 16): n/a 382 Å n/a n/a n/a ZrO₂ (layer 7): 30 Å 30 Å 30 Å 40 {acute over (Å)} 40 Å

Measured monolithically before tempering (HT), Examples 1-3 according to embodiments of this invention and Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-2 had the following characteristics (annealed and non-HT, monolithic) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer). Note that “R_(G)Y(at angle of 45°)” indicates visible glass side reflection at an angle of forty-five degrees from normal.

TABLE 8 Measured Monolithic, annealed (before tempering) Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 CE 1 CE 2 T_(vis) (TY)(transmission ): 13.3% 13.4% 13.6% 19.0% 34.0% a*_(T) 0.9 0.6 1.8 −0.5 2.5 b*_(T) −2.1 −1.4 −1.0 6.5 −8.0 R_(G)Y(glass side refl. %): 6.9% 6.3% 5.1% 10.5% 26.0% L*_(G): 31.6 30.2 27.1 38.7 58.0 a*_(G): 0.7 1.2 1.9 −2.0 −10.0 b*_(G): −5.0 −6.5 −6.4 −6.5 3.0 Glass side refl. color: grey grey grey grey green R_(G)Y(at angle of 45°): 7.5% 7.3% 6.4 n/a n/a R_(F)Y(film side refl. %): 11.4% 7.4% 14.1% 6.0% 15.0% a*_(F): −0.2 −1.7 −1.1 15.0 0.0 b*_(F): −5.9 1.3 −6.8 35.0 9.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.296 0.301 0.317 0.352 0.513 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.340 0.344 0.360 0.405 0.590

It can be seen from Table 8 above that measured monolithically prior to any optional thermal tempering only Examples 1-3 had a combination of (i) desirable grey glass side reflective visible color, (ii) a low SF/SHGC value(s), and (iii) low glass side visible reflectivity (R_(G)Y). It can be seen above that Comparative Example 2 (CE 2) was undesirable at least because it could not achieve grey glass side reflective coloration as defined herein (e.g., note the −10 value for a*_(G), the high L*_(G) value, and the high visible transmission value of CE 2), and because it had a high glass side reflectivity. And the only CE that could arguably achieve grey glass side reflective a* and b* values was CE 1, but CE 1 was problematic in that its SF and SHGC values are too high and its visible transmission is rather high at 19%, and its glass side reflectivity (R_(G)Y) was also higher than those of Examples 1-2. Moreover, the a*F value of CE 1 was rather high. The SF and SHGC values of CE 2 are also too high. It can be seen from Table 8 that the SF and SHGC values of Examples 1-3 were improved (lower) compared to those of CEs 1-2. Thus, it can be seen that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN_(x)) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable grey glass side reflective coloration can be achieved together with a low SF/SHGC value(s). And optionally these desirable features may be achieved in combination with low glass side reflectivity. Thus, such coatings provide for improved color control and/or ranges when desired and low SF/SHGC values indicating ability to keep rooms cool in warm environments.

Measured monolithically after tempering (HT), Examples 1-3 according to embodiments of this invention had the following characteristics (HT, monolithic) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer). The pre-HT data is provided in Table 9 for CEs 1-2, as it would not have significantly changed due to HT.

TABLE 9 Measured Monolithic, after thermal tempering (HT) for Exs. 1-3 Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 CE 1 CE 2 T_(vis) (TY)(transmission): 12.9% 12.9% 12.6% 19.0% 34.0% a*_(T) 1.3 1.0 1.8 −0.5 2.5 b*_(T) 0.1 0.4 −1.9 6.5 −8.0 R_(G)Y(glass side refl. %): 5.8% 6.8% 5.2% 10.5% 26.0% L*_(G): 28.9 31.3 27.4 38.7 58.0 a*_(G): 2.2 0.9 1.9 −2.0 −10.0 b*_(G): −5.9 −5.5 −4.5 −6.5 3.0 Glass side refl. color: grey grey grey grey green R_(G)Y(at angle of 45°): 6.8% 7.8% 6.5% n/a n/a R_(F)Y(film side refl. %): 13.0% 8.5% 13.8% 6.0% 15.0% a*_(F): −0.8 −1.7 0.1 15.0 0.0 b*_(F): −4.8 3.9 −5.5 35.0 9.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.308 0.300 0.301 0.352 0.513 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.352 0.345 0.344 0.405 0.590

It can be seen from Table 9 above that following thermal tempering (HT) only Examples 1-3 had a combination of (i) desirable grey glass side reflective visible color, (ii) a low SF/SHGC value(s), and (iii) low glass side visible reflectivity (R_(G)Y). See the discussion above under Table 8 comparing Examples 1-3 with CEs 1-2, which points are applicable here also.

Measured in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3 (with the coating on surface two) before tempering, Examples 1-3 according to embodiments of this invention and Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-2 had the following characteristics (annealed and non-HT, IG unit) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer).

TABLE 10 IG Window Unit, annealed (before optional tempering) Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 CE 1 CE 2 T_(vis) (TY)(transmission): 12.2% 12.2% 12.8% 17.5% 30.0% a*_(T) 0.3 0.1 1.7 −1.0 2.0 b*_(T) −1.3 −0.6 −1.3 6.5 −7.5 R_(G/out)Y(glass side 6.9% 6.6% 5.3% 11.0% 27.0% refl. %): L*_(G): 31.6 30.9 27.6 39.6 59.0 a*_(G): 0.7 1.6 2.0 −2.0 −10.0 b*_(G): −5.2 −6.9 −6.5 −6.0 2.0 Glass side refl. color: grey grey grey grey green R_(G)Y(at angle of 45°): 7.7% 7.5% 6.5% n/a n/a R_(F/interior)Y(film side 17.0% 13.7% 19.3% 12.0% 20.0% refl. %): a*_(F): −1.9 −2.2 −1.8 6.0 −1.0 b*_(F): −3.4 0.7 −4.3 10.0 5.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.197 0.200 0.216 0.240 0.350 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.228 0.231 0.250 0.276 0.403

It can again be seen from Table 10 above that measured in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3 prior to any optional thermal tempering only Examples 1-3 had a combination of (i) desirable grey glass side reflective visible color, (ii) a low SF/SHGC value, and (iii) low glass side visible reflectivity (R_(G)Y). It can be seen above that Comparative Example 2 (CE 2) was undesirable at least because it could not achieve grey glass side reflective coloration as defined herein (e.g., note the −10 value for a*G, the high L*_(G) value, and the high visible transmission value of CE 2), and because it had a high glass side reflectivity. And the only CE that could arguably achieve grey glass side reflective a* and b* values was CE 1, but CE 1 was problematic in that its SF and SHGC values are too high and its visible transmission is rather high, and its glass side reflectivity (R_(G)Y) was also higher than those of Examples 1-2. Moreover, the a*_(F) value of CE 1 was rather high. The SF and SHGC values of CE 2 are also too high. It can be seen from Table 8 that the SF and SHGC values of Examples 1-3 were improved (lower) compared to those of CEs 1-2. Thus, it can be seen that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN_(x)) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable grey glass side reflective coloration can be achieved together with a low SF/SHGC value(s). And optionally these desirable features may be achieved in combination with low glass side reflectivity and/or desirable film side coloration. Thus, such coatings provide for improved color control and/or ranges when desired and low SF/SHGC values indicating ability to keep rooms cool in warm environments.

Measured in an IG window unit after tempering (HT), Examples 1-3 according to embodiments of this invention had the following characteristics (HT, IG unit) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer). The pre-HT IG unit data is provided in Table 11 for CEs 1-2, as it would not have significantly changed due to HT.

TABLE 11 IG Window Unit, after thermal tempering (HT) for Exs. 1-3 Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 CE 1 CE 2 T_(vis) (TY)(transmission): 11.5% 11.8% 12.0% 17.5% 30.0% a*_(T) 0.1 0.3 1.0 −1.0 2.0 b*_(T) −0.2 −0.3 −1.0 6.5 −7.5 R_(G/out)Y(glass side 5.9% 7.0% 5.0% 11.0% 27.0% refl. %): L*_(G): 29.2 31.8 26.7 39.6 59.0 a*_(G): 2.6 1.2 2.5 −2.0 −10.0 b*_(G): −7.1 −5.9 −7.0 −6.0 2.0 Glass side refl. color: grey grey grey grey green R_(G)Y(at angle of 45°): 7.0% 7.9% 6.6% n/a n/a R_(F/interior)Y(film side 18.9% 14.5% 19.0% 12.0% 20.0% refl. %): a*_(F): −2.1 −2.4 −2.0 6.0 −1.0 b*_(F): −2.2 1.8 −5.5 10.0 5.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.215 0.211 0.216 0.240 0.350 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.251 0.243 0.249 0.276 0.403

It can again be seen from Table 11 above that following thermal tempering (HT) in an IG window unit only Examples 1-3 had a combination of (i) desirable grey glass side reflective visible color, (ii) a low SF/SHGC value(s), and (iii) low glass side visible reflectivity (R_(G)Y). See the discussions above under Tables 8 and 10 comparing Examples 1-3 with CEs 1-2, which points are applicable here also.

Example 4

Example 4 was similar to Example 2 with respect to the layer stack, as shown in FIG. 2. Example 4 was as follows: glass(5.8 mm clear)/Si3Nx(13 nm)/NbZr(1.8 nm)/Si3Nx(47.8 nm)/NbZr(4.1 nm)/Si3Nx(55.5 nm)/NbZr(3.4 nm)/Si3Nx(44.7 nm)/ZrOx(3 nm). Example 4 has SF and SHGC values similar to Example 2 above, realized glass side reflective grey color, and had the following optical characteristics as coated (prior to thermal tempering): TY 12.5%; a*_(T) 1.0; b*_(T) 1.0; R_(G/out)Y 7.0%; a*_(G)−1.8; b*_(G)−3.0; R_(F/interior) 8.0%; a*_(F) −3.5; and b*_(F) 4.0. Example 4 following thermal tempering (heat treatment) had the following optical characteristics: TY 11.5%; a*_(T) 1.0; b*_(T)−1.0; R_(G/out)Y 6.5%; a*_(G) −1.3; b*_(G) −4.5; R_(F/interior) 8.0%; a*_(F) −3.0; and b*_(F) 4.0.

It is noted above that one, two or all of IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15 may be of or include NiCrMo and/or NiCrMoN_(x), in certain example embodiments of this invention. In such embodiments one, two or all of the IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15 may, for example, be of or include C22 or an oxide and/or nitride thereof. Table 12 below shows an example composition of the NiCrMo-based alloy C22.

TABLE 12 NiCrMo based alloy C22 (wt. %) Element Preferred More Preferred Example Ni 40-70%  50-60%  54-58% (e.g., 56%) Cr 5-40% 10-30%    20-22.5% Mo 5-30% 10-20%  12.5-14.5% Fe 0-15% 0-10% 1-5% (e.g., 3%) W 0-15% 0-10% 1-5% (e.g., 3%) Co 0-15% 0-10% 1-5% (e.g., 3%) Si  0-2%  0-1% =<0.2% (e.g., .08%) Mn  0-3%  0-2% =<1% (e.g., 0.5%) C  0-1% 0-0.5%  =<0.1% (e.g., .01%) V  0-2%  0-1% =<1% (e.g., 0.35%)

Once given the above disclosure many other features, modifications and improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such other features, modifications and improvements are therefore considered to be a part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A coated article having grey glass side reflective coloration and including a layer system supported by a glass substrate, the layer system comprising: a first dielectric layer comprising nitrogen; a first infrared (IR) reflecting layer on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer comprising nitrogen on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer and the first IR reflecting layer; a second layer IR reflecting layer on the glass substrate over at least the second dielectric layer; a third dielectric layer comprising nitrogen on the glass substrate over at least the second IR reflecting layer; wherein each of the first and second IR reflecting layers comprises one or more of: NbZr, NbZrN_(x), NiCr, NiCrNx, NiCrMo, NiCrMoN_(x), NbCr, NbCrN_(x), Nb and NbN_(x); wherein the coated article has no metallic infrared (IR) reflecting layer based on Ag and/or Au; wherein the coated article has: glass side visible reflection of no greater than 8%, glass side/exterior reflective grey coloration comprising a glass side/exterior reflective a* value of from −3.0 to +5.0, a glass side/exterior reflective b* value of from −10.0 to +2.0, a visible transmission of no greater than 16%, and wherein the coated article (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.33 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.39, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.23 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.27.
 2. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side/exterior a* value of from −2.0 to +4.0.
 3. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side/exterior b* value of from −9.0 to −1.0.
 4. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side/exterior b* value of from −8.0 to −4.0.
 5. The coated article of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second IR reflecting layers comprises NiCr or NbZr.
 6. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article is heat treated and has a ΔE* value (glass side reflective) of no greater than 3.0 after and/or due to heat treatment.
 7. The coated article of claim 6, wherein the coated article has a visible transmission of from 6-16%.
 8. The coated article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second layers IR reflecting layers is/are substantially free of oxygen.
 9. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side visible reflection of no greater than 8%.
 10. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a film side/interior reflective a* value of from −4.0 to +4.0.
 11. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating includes only two IR reflecting layers and consists essentially of the recited layers, and optionally an overcoat layer comprising an oxide of zirconium.
 12. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the first and second IR reflecting layers are of substantially the same thickness, which means that they are the same thickness plus/minus 15 Å.
 13. The coated article of claim 1, wherein a thickness ratio of the first dielectric layer/third dielectric layer is at least 1.5.
 14. The coated article of claim 1, wherein a thickness ratio of the second dielectric layer/third dielectric layer is at least 1.4.
 15. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating further comprises: a third IR reflecting layer on the glass substrate over at least the third dielectric layer; and a fourth dielectric layer on the glass substrate over at least the third IR reflecting layer.
 16. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.32 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.37, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.22 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.25. 